Mystic Force Mystic Force E.P. CD (Slipcase, 2025, High Roller Records)

Mystic Force were a cornerstone of Baltimore’s progressive power metal scene, forming in 1984 around guitarists Rich Davis and Marc Rouchard with bassist Keith Menser. After several early line-up shifts, the classic roster solidified with drummer Chris Lembach and vocalist Bobby Hicks - fueling the band’s rise through Maryland’s vibrant 80s and 90s metal circuit, from legendary venues like Hammerjacks to shows alongside Pantera, Savatage, Fates Warning, Crimson Glory and more.

Their first demo arrived in 1987, recorded in just four hours at Secret Sound with engineer John Grant to support an upcoming radio interview on 103.7 in Havre de Grace. Featuring “Stage Struck,” “Dethroned,” “With Rank Comes Rule” and “Burn The Sky,” the tape captured the band’s raw energy and set the stage for their next demo, the Mystic Force E.P., followed by the Blind Vision tape recorded with Drew Mazurek at High View Studio. Both demos - along with rare rehearsal material - appear in this definitive archival collection.

Mystic Force signed with German label Rising Sun Productions in the early 90s, releasing their two landmark albums The Eternal Quest (1993) and A Step Beyond (1995), followed by the independently issued Man Vs. Machine on the band’s own Siegen Records in 2001. After Mystic Force disbanded, Lembach and Davis launched Shift and released two albums before Davis pursued a solo project, eventually assembling a new lineup for the 2024 album Inside The Upside Down.

This compilation restores the earliest era of Mystic Force with fresh clarity, featuring audio restoration and mastering by Patrick W. Engel at Temple of Disharmony in September 2024.

Recommended if you like: Vicious Rumors, Crimson Glory, Heir Apparent, Fates Warning, Queensrÿche, Leatherwolf

Artist: Mystic Force
Title:  Mystic Force EP
Label: High Roller Records
Catalogue Number: HRR976CD
UPC: 4251267720675
Release Year: 2025
Duration: Album
Format: CD
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
Condition: New & Sealed
Special attributes: Slipcase, remastered, reissue

Tracklist:
1. Stagestruck
2. Burn the Sky
3. With Rank Comes Rule
4. Dethroned
5. Immortal Souls (1987 studio recording)
6. Awaken by the Dawn (rehearsal)
7. Structures of Uncertainties - Original Version (rehearsal)
8. Blind Vision (rehearsal)